Gouging Gas Prices?

Everywhere in the U.S. gas prices are rising and have now totaled up to a national record at an average of $3.51 a gallon. Many people can't afford gas like they used to and are starting to conserve more gas in several ways including; public transportation, riding bikes, walking, and just not driving places and staying at home. In California gas prices are higher than anywhere else in the country at an average of $3.86 a gallon. This increase in gas prices can exponentially hurt businesses because less people are starting to drive now. Is the rising gas prices becoming a national crisis?